Page 59 of Blood Ties
Over the next few weeks, I did my best to avoid Sebastian, which meant in turn that I avoided The Angelo Tower as much as I could. I would call and did a lot of speaking to Jade, but it was almost impossible to get anything done with all her banter.
I held off my trips until the weekend when Grayson could go with me. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust myself, but I knew how things might look from his perspective and I wanted to do my best to assure him that everything was fine.
On one such occasion, we were supposed to meet Damien, I thought in his office, but when we got there, he was nowhere to be found. I looked in my phone and saw that it was suppose to be below in the conference room. On the way back to the elevator, I realized I had left my folder on Damien’s desk.
“Don’t worry about it. Summon the elevator and I’ll go back to get it,” Grayson suggested. I smiled and gave him a quick kiss before watching him speed away. That was when I felt the tether.
“Gaby?” I looked up and saw Sebastian coming towards me from his room. I groaned internally. “I haven’t seen you lately. Are you still planning the parties for your father?”
“Yes,” I spoke while clicking away at the elevator button. I couldn’t help but feel flustered. This was exactly what I had been trying to avoid.
“I don’t think pushing the button is going to make the elevator come any faster.”
I stopped pressing it, knowing he was right, but had wanted something to busy myself with other than talking. I spun slowly to face him. My breathing was heavy in a nervous way. I looked up at him.
“Why are you fidgeting?”
“I’m not,” then I realized my fingers hadn’t stopped moving.
Sebastian had just opened his mouth to speak when Grayson appeared followed by the arrival of the elevator.
“Found it,” Grayson waved the folder, but his eyes fell to Sebastian. I nodded then moved to step on the elevator. Grayson came to stand beside me. I thought that was going to be the end of my interaction with Sebastian, but he surprised us all when he stepped on to the elevator.
“What are you doing?” I demanded.
“I have something I need to discuss with Damien.”
“Now?” I heard the distain in my voice after the words escaped.
“Yes, now. Is that a problem for you?” It felt like Sebastian was goading me. I didn’t answer. I focused my attention on the door. I tried to ignore both the men’s gazes on me.
Walking to conference room together was uncomfortable. I was sure I wasn’t the only one who was feeling it. I didn’t know why Sebastian was being this way. I was sure he could feel the tensions and he just kept stirring the pot.
When Damien saw us all enter he seemed a little perplexed. “Sebastian, I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I need to speak with you when you have a moment.”
“I’m a bit busy. Can it wait?”
“Of course.” Sebastian turned and took a seat. I guess he was planning on waiting. I looked to Damien, practically begging him to do something, but he shrugged his shoulders and went about the business. He must be use to his friend acting this way.
Grayson took a seat away from Sebastian. He pulled his laptop from its bag and started typing away. I caught a few looks that he would give me then Sebastian. I could almost see the wheels turning. I was curious if he was suspicious. Maybe he thought what Shawn had, that I was sleeping with Sebastian. Even I could see how someone could think that, even though it wasn’t true. I huffed for what was probably the tenth time.
“Grayson?” Damien broke away from our conversation. “Have you ever tried a blood concoction?”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“Well, then you must have one. Gabriella, would you mind terrible if I took your mate to try one of my coffee infused blood drinks. It will only take a moment.”
“That’s not necessary, Damien,” Grayson spoke.
“Of course it is and I won’t take no for an answer.” Damien’s gaze shifted to me and I didn’t argue. “You’ll be fine without me for a few minutes, yes?”
“Yes.”
“Splendid.” Damien escorted Grayson from the room all the while ignoring Sebastian.
“Subtlety isn’t his strong suit. He’s use to man handling to get his way.”
